Mary Elizabeth Scandalito

Mary Elizabeth Scandalito (nee Twigger / previously Godlewski), 86, of Macomb, Michigan, formerly of Port Huron, Michigan and before that Greensburg, Pennsylvania, died on September 19, 2024. Mary, also known as Susie to many and as Grandma Mary to many more, was born November 2, 1937 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Agnes Twigger. She married her first love, Bernard (Bernie) Godlewski Jr. in 1958 and they lived happily for 20 years until his untimely death in 1978. Love found her again in 1981 and she married Fred Scandalito, a widower from Port Huron and made her home there until his death in 2017. In addition to both husbands and her mother, she was preceded in death by her cherished brothers Joe, Bud (George) and Harry Twigger and sister Margaret Ann Hayes. Mary loved fiercely and will be missed profoundly by her daughter Laurie (Brian) McPeck, grandchildren Josh, Laura, Katy, Evan, Lauren and Grant, great-grandchildren Jackson, Maddie, and Lily, a large and loving extended family, honorary kids and grandkids, friends and neighbors.

Mary was a proud graduate of Greensburg High School (class of 1955) and attended business school in Philadelphia, embarking on an administrative career at a number of places in a variety of different roles from secretary to bookkeeper to job coach, retiring from the ARC of St Clair County in 1997. She most enjoyed working with her “kids” at the Morton School in Marysville and was met with hugs and joy by many long after her retirement. She was a longtime parishioner, greeter and volunteer at Holy Trinity Parish in Port Huron and before that at St Paul’s Church in Greensburg.

Mary was an exceptional storyteller and always found joy in sharing her many lived experiences with her family and friends. She would pepper her conversations with silly catch phrases, such as “bop you on the beezer”, “pain in the apple cart”, and “for a little old biddy, I’m not too bad”. Mary was an avid angel lover and collected hundreds of angel statues, ornaments, artwork, and trinkets to decorate the house with for every season. Along with her angels, she loved children and babies, and they loved her too! Always putting a smile on a child’s face and making sure they felt special, which is a true testament to her beautiful character.

Her later years were spent caring for her family, ironing every available piece of fabric, cheering on her grandchildren, spoiling her fur babies and indulging in the occasional glass of white zin. She delighted in trips far and near and greeted everyone she met with hugs and kisses (the pandemic was particularly rough on her!). She was a staff favorite at both adult daycare and then assisted living as dementia robbed her first of her memories and then of her voice before laying claim to her body. Her family extends their gratitude to the staff of Evergreen Villas Assisted Living and Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassionate support and care in her final months.

Although Mary loved her family and friends in Michigan, “Susie” always knew she’d find her way back home to her beloved hills of southwestern Pennsylvania and will be laid to rest beside Bernie at Westmoreland County Memorial Park. A funeral liturgy will begin at 10 AM Monday, October 14, 2024 at the Chapel of Westmoreland County Memorial Park with Deacon John Zombar officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org) or Dutton Farm (www.duttonfarm.org).